Gary Niel Pardue died on July 7, 2025 at his home in Hermiston at the age of 75.
He was born on Oct. 16, 1949 in Pendleton to David and Jean Rauch Pardue.
Gary was raised and attended schools in Stanfield where he was a member of the annual staff and participated in the running broad jump, 100-yard dash and the 220-yard dash events in track, where he lettered. He graduated from Stanfield High School in the class of 1968.
Gary moved to Hermiston with his family and married Bev Wellington and they had two daughters, Yvette and Tomara, before later divorcing. Gary raised his daughters in Hermiston and worked as an engineer for the Union Pacific Railroad until his retirement. He was a member of the Corvette Club and drove the fair courts and homecoming courts in his Corvette. Gary owned and operated RC Production, a R/C hobby business, and was superintendent of an exhibit building at the Umatilla County Fair where he had a booth for several years.
After retirement, Gary stayed busy with many side jobs including driving tractor for Pioneer Hay Company and Maddox Hay Company for several years. Gary also helped his best friend, Brad Williams, with his Oregon Trail Honey Bee Farm and Desert Springs Bottle Water Company in Echo. He was an avid railroad buff who loved trains and enjoyed coffee with many of his friends and all of their adventures.
He is survived by his daughters, Yvette Monahan (Dan) and Tomara Maddox (Casey); sisters, Christine Miller, Renee Wilber and Theresa Pardue; grandchildren, Lexi Whitbeck, Landon Maddox and Damon Maddox; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Jeff Pardue.
A celebration of life service will be held on Monday, July 21, 2025 at 1 p.m. at Burns Mortuary Chapel, Hermiston. There will be a gathering following the service.
Please share memories of Gary with his family at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
